7 tip-top things to do this week
The best of the week
Dragon Boat Festival
Thursday 9 - Saturday 11
Mythical creatures and pyramid dumplings - yes, it's the return of the Dragon Boat festival, commemorating ancient poet Qu Yuan's watery protest and the ensuing search for his remains. Whilst the races may not involve actual dragons, it doesn't make the proceedings any less firey. Traditionally, dragon boat races take place on Suzhou Creek. This year racing will take place from 2-4pm on Thursday 9 and 9am-3pm on Friday 10. Keep an eye on our website this week for more info on Dragon Boat festivities.
DJ Krush
Friday 10, Arkham, 200RMB
Hideaki Ishi, aka DJ Krush, has gone from Japan’s criminal underworld as a teenager to being one of the country’s most celebrated musical exports at the age of 53. Known for his jazzy and experimental hip hop, Krush has collaborated with the likes of DJ Shadow and The Roots, and last year released The Butterfly Effect, his first album in over a decade. It'll be a big night at Arkham.
Elsewhere, Kamixlo is bringing a riotous reggae party to The Shelter on Wednesday night, and Midi Electronic Festival returns to the outskirts of Suzhou on Thursday promising over 48 hours of non-stop music from the likes of Ellen Allien, Shanghai Restoration Project, Sulumi, Conrank and more.
2016 Xintiandi Fringe Festival
Monday 6 - Sunday 19, Venues around Xintiandi
British, American, Spanish, French, Australian, Taiwanese and Czech arts troupes will be putting on productions in and around Xintiandi across a period of two weeks - in restaurants, public areas and in a specially erected 'theatre' beside Taiping lake - with most of the shows free for the public. Find more details about the shows on our website.
Café of the week: Hongdae Bear
This small and somewhat unassuming café, located a hop, skip and jump from Xintiandi, has worked its way into our affections with its unique take on coffee and waffles. Named after the Hongdae neighbourhood in Seoul – with Korean and Singaporean management – the place exudes cool and relaxed Korean vibes. Try the signature Hongdae waffle (53RMB), which dishes up four light and fluffy segments served with a sprinkle of candied nuts.
Hongdae Bear is at 349 Zizhong Lu, near Madang Lu, Huangpu district.
Shanghai International Film Festival
Saturday 11-Sunday 19
Get ready for a week of red carpets and stargazing as SIFF hits town from Saturday 11 until Sunday 19, with Sir Ian McKellen the biggest name on the bill for Saturday's opening ceremony. Look out for Hollywood hits such as Steve Jobs, The Danish Girl, Room, Bridge of Spies and Joy, and the awards ceremony, with categories including Asian New Talent.
In all, hundreds of films are shown across the city at various venues, and tickets are already on sale on Taobao. Keep an eye on Time Out this week for more information, and find full schedules and the latest information at the SIFF website.
Alpine Decline
Friday 10, Yuyintang, 80RMB
Beijing psych-tinged duo Alpine Decline have made their most expansive album yet. Anyone who has heard the new record Life’s a Gasp, their fifth, would concur that it’s not exactly music to swig margaritas to. A stark cocktail of metallic guitar drone, rattling Jesus and Mary Chain-esque atmosphere and windswept, Suicide-laced melody, it’s their most bleak but expansive album so far. You can experience this in all its glory at Yuyintang on Friday, and also catch the duo performing a modular set at The Shelter on Tuesday night at 10pm. Check out the full interview online.
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